Feb 3, 2009

Seeing the forest

Nurse Lindsey gently kicked us out of the NICU a few hours ago. She's right, we need to get some rest, and Davis is in somewhat of a holding pattern right now, but I absolutely hate to leave. His epi (blood pressure medicine) and vent settings are slightly lower, but his oxygen did have to be bumped up 10 points or so this afternoon. Dr. Goldberg and Lakshmi feel that the episode Davis had last night might have been an isolated incident and not a trend. For tonight anyway, we hope to give the "e" word a rest. 

Lakshmi did make us feel a little better about ECMO. I know other mothers say not to worry, but the fact is that ECMO is a big deal with very real risks. We can't ignore that. On the other hand, as Lakshmi pointed out, they wouldn't use ECMO as a last ditch effort. They would only offer ECMO to Davis if they felt his heart and lungs would truly benefit from a brief rest. Davis isn't the typical ECMO baby, because so many of his numbers look so good. There are certain characteristics that babies who do well on ECMO share, and Davis fits that profile, which gives us hope. Lakshmi really thinks he will be ok, and we trust her and Dr. Goldberg infinitely. So, we're trying to get prepared in the event it ends up he does need a little rest. It's scary, there's no way around that, but we have so much faith in Davis and his ability to pull through this. Brad and Kellie are right- we need to count our blessings. Davis has made progress, has been relatively stable, and we are grateful for every single second we have with him. 

Catherine (my big sister) and Karen have been staying with us for the past few days. They have taken such good care of Michael and I. It is such a comfort and blessing to have them here. My sister is one of the best, most genuine people I know. Thank you, Catherine and Karen, for being here for us. We love you so much. 

We are so thankful for all the support and prayers. I think Davis feels it too. 

-Carolyn

9 comments:

SKT said...

I certainly would not say "dont worry" about having him on ECMO....but I do say it's a good thing and theres a reason its around. Only speaking from experience though.

Marion said...

I will keep you all in my prayers.

*super dude and super dog* said...

IF Davis needs ECMO, remember that it's to give him a chance to rest up for the big surgery. It's NOT a last-ditch effort to save his life. They told us, when Carter needed it, that it was a bridge to surgery and they would never put a child on ECMO who they didn't think would benefit from the rest and make it off ECMO successfully. Call us if you need anything. You know we're up every 3 hours for our little man.
Thinking of you often!

Amber said...

Praying!Praying!Praying!

Leigh Glass said...

Much love to all of you.Your family is in store for good things!!!
Love,
Leigh Glass

Tracy Meats said...

Praying for Davis and hoping he has a good, stable night!!

Tracy Meats - mom to Ian, born with a LCDH on 4/3/04 and WY and CO State Rep. for CHERUBS

Anonymous said...

as you both said your are in good hands @ Duke..trust and believe and all will be fine..as hard as it is try to get some rest.. you have a great support group behind you!

god has a plan!

Alison, Chris, Davis and Ryan Cieszko said...

I speak from no experience, other than we share a bond of motherhood, and a son with the same first and middle name :)

We will say prayers daily and check in on Davis Michael as he walks this tough road.

Love and prayers,
Chris and Alison Cieszko and proud parents of Davis Michael Cieszko

Sky + Carla said...

Hi,

I just had CDH baby this morning :) and he's not doing well. I really didn't want him to go on ECMO and I'm now thankful that at least he has a chance by going on ECMO. His been on ECMO since 1pm or so, just try to stay positive I know is hard.

I will pray for your baby.